Good Service awards
These awards are typically used for members who have consistently given service over and above that which is expected within their role.
Award criteria
At Scouts we want to thank all our volunteers for their contribution to the Scouts - it's an important way to make sure people stay with us and to recognise their achievements and Good Service awards are one way of doing this.
All Good Service award nominees must:
- Hold a volunteer appointment as a member of the Scouts.
- Have enough service for the award they’re being nominated for.
- Have a valid Criminal Records Check (if relevant for their active roles).
- Have not received a Good Service award in the last five years.
- Not already have the award they’re being nominated for.
- Have completed all mandatory learning relevant to all active roles.
- Have the correct previous Good Service award (if relevant for the award they’re being nominated for).
(Learn more about the specific criteria for each Good Service award below.)
Things to consider before making a nomination
When nominating someone for a Good Service Award, please consider the criteria for all awards that the nominee may be eligible for (e.g. a Commendation Award, a Good Service Award, a Meritorious Conduct/Gallantry Award, the Cornwell Scout Badge or the Chief Scout’s Personal Award) to ensure the most suitable award recognises their achievements/contribution to the Scouts, because two Scouts awards shouldn’t be awarded for the same accomplishments.
If an individual does not meet all the necessary criteria for a Good Service award, it may be more appropriate to consider a Commendation Award, Thanks Badge or nominating them for the Chief Scout’s Personal Award.
Award holders who do not wish for their name to be included on the published Roll of Honour should contact the UK Headquarters Awards Team.
Lower Good Service awards
Nominations for these awards should be made via the membership system.
Learn how to make a Good Service award nominationAwarded in respect of not less than 5 years good service, which stands out. It should be regarded as the Chief Scout's recognition of the very real contribution made to the Scouts by the individual concerned.
When sewing a cloth badge on to a uniform, please note that the top left-hand curve of the design should be yellow.
Awarded for outstanding service. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period, of at least 10 years duration.
Awarded after at least five years of further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit.
Awarded after at least 20 years’ service, which should be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
Who can approve lower Good Service awards
The decision on if someone should receive a lower Good Service award can be decided locally but is monitored by the National Awards Advisory Group.
In all locations, District Lead Volunteers (and above) can approve:
- The Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service
- The Award for Merit
In England and Wales, County/Area Lead Volunteers (and above) can approve:
- The Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service
- The Award for Merit
- The Bar to the Award for Merit
- The Silver Acorn
In Northern Ireland and Scotland, County/Region Lead Volunteers (and above) can approve:
- The Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service
- The Award for Merit
- The Bar to the Award for Merit
In Northern Ireland and Scotland, the Country Headquarters approve:
- The Silver Acorn
Lower Good Service awards next steps
Once a lower Good Service award nomination has been approved locally and has successfully progressed through the checks at UK Headquarters, the awards are then sent out on a quarterly basis.
If a lower Good Service award need to be expedited quicker than the normal process (i.e. in exceptional circumstances) please make a request to the UK Headquarters Scouts Awards Team.
Higher Good Service awards
Nominations for these awards should be made using via the membership system.
Learn how to make a Good Service award nominationAwarded after at least five years of similarly distinguished service after receiving the Silver Acorn.
This award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout.
It's only awarded for service of a most exceptional nature.
It's not normally awarded until at least a Silver Acorn has been previously gained and a further prolonged period of exceptional service has been achieved. In practice, it's rarely awarded for less than 30 years’ service although, because it is the Chief Scout’s unrestricted gift, no length of service is prescribed.
When sewing a cloth badge on to a uniform, please note that the top left-hand curve of the design should be green.
A Silver Wolf medal, is worn with its head facing the wearer’s right-hand breast pocket (away from the heart). According to our Founder, the Wolf points away from the heart because if it's pointed the other way, it would eat your heart out!
Who can approve higher Good Service awards
Once a higher Good Service award nomination has been supported locally via the membership system, it will automatically be passed to UK Headquarters for further processing.
Only the National Awards Advisory Group (NAAG) can approve these awards and their decision is final.
Higher Good Service awards next steps
Nominations are considered by the National Awards Advisory Group on a quarterly basis but higher Good Service award need to be expedited quicker (i.e. in exceptional circumstances) please make a request to the UK Headquarters Scouts Awards Team.
Supporting and approving Good Service awards
Discover more on the processDeadlines and processing by UK Headquarters
Good Service award deadlines and what happens with decisions/nominations once submitted to UK Headquarters.
See the deadlines and what happens nextBuying additional awards
If you have an award and would like an additional cloth badge, brooch or medal, they can be bought from Scout Stores. You'll need to provide your membership number so we can ensure you are eligible to purchase the item.
Visit Scout StoreDuplicate certificates
Ask for a replacement by filling in the Duplicate certificate request form.
You will need to provide the following details:
- Membership number
- Full name
- Type of award
- Location of award
- Date of award
- Reason for duplicate request
- Delivery name and address